Appointments

Grant Thompson has been appointed as General Manager at InterContinental Halong Bay Resort by IHG

InterContinental Halong Bay Resort, the five-star beachside sanctuary that opened in July 2025, has announced the appointment of Grant Thompson as its new General Manager. As the only internationally branded luxury resort overlooking Halong Bay, the hotel offers a more stay-led way to experience the destination, beyond traditional itineraries.

Steven J. Smith has been appointed as Managing Director at Grand Hyatt Baha Mar

Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, the luxury, family-friendly resort located along Cable Beach on the picturesque island of New Providence, The Bahamas, today welcomes Steven J. Smith as Managing Director. With an accomplished hospitality career spanning more than 40 years with Hyatt, Smith is recognized for delivering strong financial performance, elevating operations, and building meaningful partnerships within each community he has served.

Linda Griffin has been appointed as Area General Manager, Canada at Hilton

Hilton (NYSE: HLT) announced the appointment of Linda Griffin as area general manager, Canada, overseeing a portfolio of full‑service and focused‑service hotels across Ontario, Québec and British Columbia. In her new role, Griffin provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for Hilton Québec, Hilton Toronto, Hilton Toronto Airport Hotel & Suites, Hilton Mississauga/Meadowvale, Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Belleville, and Hampton Inn by Hilton Chilliwack, working closely with hotel leadership teams to advance service excellence and team engagement across the region. Based in Ontario at Hilton Toronto, Griffin works closely with Hilton’s regional and property teams to support operations, leadership development and memorable guest experiences across Canada, returning to a property that marked one of the earliest milestones in her Hilton career in 1989.

Shadi Refai has been appointed as Cluster General Manager at United Hospitality Management (UHM)

United Hospitality Management is pleased to announce the appointment of Shadi Refai as Cluster General Manager for the Arabella Beach Hotel Kuwait, Vignette Collection by IHG and a soon to be opened second hotel in Kuwait City marking a key milestone as the company continues to strengthen its regional footprint and accelerate its  expansion across the Middle East.

Gonzalo Güelman Ros has been appointed as General Manager at Fairmont Mayakoba

Fairmont Mayakoba, the luxurious beachfront sanctuary set amidst Riviera Maya’s pristine coastline and lush tropical mangroves, announces the appointment of Gonzalo Güelman Ros as General Manager. A respected global hospitality leader, Ros brings more than 30 years of experience across the Americas and the Caribbean, with a distinguished reputation for leading luxury resorts whilst consistently enhancing both operational performance and guest experiences.